Jerome Banks Brown

Jerome Banks Brown
10/29/2025
Jerome Banks Brown, known affectionately as Jerry, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 84. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, compassion, and devotion to family, friends and his patients.
Born in Houston on August 17, 1941, to Marjorie and Wilbur W. Brown, Jerry graduated from Jefferson Davis High School, where he served as drum major for the school marching band. Thereafter, he attended Rice University, where he earned his bachelor's degree and was a saxophone player in the notorious "Mob" Marching Band, followed by a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Houston.
In 1981, Jerry left Baylor College of Medicine to found his own private clinical psychology firm, which he led until his retirement, having served as a beloved mentor to many aspiring psychologists and colleagues. A highly respected forensic psychology specialist, he served as an expert witness in numerous high-profile cases throughout Texas, including criminal cases that made national headlines and several where his opinions influenced state legal precedent.
Jerry loved Houston, its culture and his West University Place community. He led local Boy Scouts of America dens, regularly counseled patients at the Shalom Center, and treated countless juvenile criminal defendants for the Harris County criminal justice system. His wise and practical counsel was sought by many, and he gave generously of his time and expertise.
Fond of the arts, Jerry was a jazz enthusiast and vinyl record collector. He loved watching and chronicling films, particularly science fiction, horror movies and comedies, visiting art museums, attending the theatre, traveling to interesting places, attending Jazz festivals, and enjoying authentic eateries wherever he went. He was knowledgeable in myriad subjects – a "worthless trivia" master - and possessed the rare ability to repair ("Jerry Rig") or build just about anything. Jerry had a gift for making those around him feel at ease, and he was well-known for his unwavering sense of humor.
But Jerry's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Jimmie Ann Brown and a loving father to his sons, Adam Banks Brown and Alex Jerome Brown, both of Houston. He was especially proud to be a grandfather to Laura Alexandra Brown, Anna Staton Brown, John Banks Brown, Catherine Hill Brown, and Alexis Ann Brown, never missing an opportunity to attend their school events or to celebrate their academic and athletic achievements. Jerry had close friends spanning many years and distances that he considered family and loved dearly.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jimmie Ann; his son, Adam and his wife, Kristin; his son, Alex and his wife, Celeste; cousins, Barbara Dampman and Douglas Banks; and his grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Burke Haymes Brown.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, with Rev. Neil Willard officiating. A reception will follow at the church Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Tunnels to Towers or a charity of your choice.
Jerry's legacy of compassion, intelligence, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a remarkable man who touched countless lives, and he will be deeply missed.